French Word of the Day: le rein (luh ren)- kidney
I don’t generally like talking about my illness when I’m doing poorly. No one wants to think about it when they’re not doing well. I don’t really want to talk about it, but I know everyone is curious, so I’m writing blog posts instead. That way I can just send people the link and we don’t have to discuss it.
According to my reader stats, a ton of people checked this page yesterday, so I have a feeling you were all expecting this.
My lupus is doing what it does best, attacking things and causing general mayhem. Right now, it’s focusing on my kidneys. They’re currently doing whatever it is that kidneys do properly (obviously, biology was my best subject in school), but some of my levels indicate that there is something wrong with them. I had a biopsy Friday to make sure the cells aren’t damaged.
I’m not quite sure who said, “Your organ is damaged? Let’s take a piece of it out! That sounds not at all crazy or detrimental to your health!” But I’m an English major.
They took a really, really long needle that is longer than my torso (I made them show it to me afterwards… how they didn’t go right through me, I’ll never know), and stuck it in my back.
I literally got stabbed in the back by doctors.
Obviously, food is always my biggest focus. I wasn’t allowed to eat for 6 hours before the surgery, so my first question when I was finished was “When do I get to eat again?” Personally, I think the recovery room should have had a buffet table.
The hospital took their sweet time in feeding me, but my parents snuck me fruit and pain au chocolat.
That’s why I take them places.
I should have taken them up on their offer to get fast food for me, because this is what qualified as food at the hospital:
I believe this paste is typically used in childrens’ art projects.
Everything went well for the biopsy. I did have a little internal bleeding, but nothing that’s going to require surgery. I’m not allowed to play any contact sports for the next two weeks. (There goes my successful rugby career!)
My doctor also said I’m not allowed to “jump dance”. I will find a way to dance without jumping or moving my torso… just wait and see.
What’s Next: They’re not certain, but probably 6 months of IV chemotherapy. I’ll keep you updated.
Thanks to everyone who visited me and brought me food and flowers! Much appreciated 🙂
Pain Au Chocolat Count: 2- one from my parents, one from Allison and Paul
French with an American Accent 
I am glad you are doing ok, Meghan. I know you can get through this!
Meghan,
I am a friend of Russ and Sue’s and your blog made me laugh out loud in bed this morning,especially the part about the paste and the photo. I am at home recovering from a bilateral mastectomy and thanks to recommendations from a friend I have great doctors. I have had the pleasure of knowing your family for close to 30 years now and they don’t get better than yours. I also have one of those families who is always there when you need them. We are lucky people. Have a very Merry Christmas!
I’m glad it made you laugh. 🙂 Feel better, and we are very lucky to have such great people behind us.
Thanks for the post, Megs.
Love you, Aunt Susi xxoo
Call me or text me or something if you want to talk or whatever. Also WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE BOOK DID YOU READ IT YET?
I dddddiiiiiiiiiiiiiiid. I thought it accurately portrayed being young and ill, although I’ve never heard of any doctor councils like she had…
I cried throughout that entire thing haha. My roommate was worried about me.
Oh god I was openly sobbing on the couch next to Joe – and I never cry like that (over fiction) in front of him. I’m so pathetic. FYI the project for awesome livestream is going on right now and I think another 36-ish hours: http://www.dft.ba/p4alive
Hey there girlie,
I’m glad as heck to be able to read your blog. It really gets me updated. I hope by now you’ve gotten our card and all our love. We will continue to pray the daily Chaplets for you..
Try to smile and think of all of us giving you a Fostvedt group hug!!!
I did receive your card! Thank you so much! I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. 🙂
Meghan, you make me smile. 🙂 Lupus tragically impacted my family 35 years ago – back then, lupus was not well understood and very few treatments were available. I thank God every day that doctors dedicate their life work to solving this tricky disease – and if they’re as dedicated as your dad & mom, then I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief! Know that there’s a bunch of old Loras alumni praying for you every step of the way. And give your mom a hug – she’s one special lady.
–Mary Rolfes (Loras ’84)
I did give my mom a hug. She’s quite the special lady. 🙂
I’ve met quite a few lupus researchers, so I have high hopes for the future of lupus patients!
You may not have majored in Biology, but you definitely majored in English! Only you could find such humor in what you went through! Dis-moi si tu veux me parler! In the meantime, I will pray for a speedy recovery.
Ouais je voudrais parler! (En français, bien sûr.)
Love your sense of humor through your pain. I try to do the same with my illnesses. Hang in there!